MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Delays to the first flights of the day – E-001490/2025

Question for written answer  E-001490/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Benoit Cassart (Renew)

In Europe, staff shortages at some air navigation service providers are causing serious delays, affecting the first flights of the day in particular. Initial delays disrupt the entire day: each minute lost can grow to as much as four minutes by the end of the day. In 2024, only 79% of these first-wave flights departed on time, with air traffic control delays shooting up by 31%. Passengers directly bear the brunt – through missed connections, long waits and even cancellations. To ensure that first-wave flights depart and arrive on time, staffing numbers must be stepped up.

• 1.Does the Commission intend to introduce a right to compensation or legal redress for airlines affected by the knock-on effects of poor performances by air navigation service providers?
• 2.Does the Commission intend to include those principles in a future European aviation strategy and/or though the revision of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 on the operation of air services?

Submitted: 10.4.2025